Reduction & Oxidation (Edexcel International A Level Chemistry)

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Reduction & Oxidation in s-, p- & d-Block Elements

  • To recap, there are three definitions of oxidation and reduction  used in different branches of chemistry
  • Oxidation and reduction can be used to describe any of the following processes

Definitions and Examples of Oxidation & Reduction

Electrochemistry OIL RIG Diagram, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Use the acronym "Oil Rig" to help you remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction

  • s-block elements are usually oxidised by losing electrons to form 1+ and 2+ ions

Na → Na+ + e 

Ca → Ca2+ + 2e 

  • p-block metals typically undergo oxidation, by losing electrons, to form positive ions
    • p-block metal ions can have a charge that is consistent with their group of the Periodic Table

Al → Al3+ + 3e 

    • p-block metal ions can also form common ions with a charge that is not consistent with their group

Sn → Sn2+ + 2e 

  • p-block non-metals are usually reduced, by gaining electrons, to form negative ions 
    • p-block non-metals form ions with a charge that can be calculated by (the group number - 8)

F + e- → F (group 7 - 8 = -1)

O + 2e → O2- (group 6 - 8 = -2)

  • d-block elements can form various ions due to their variable oxidation states
    • d-block elements will usually be oxidised, by losing electrons, to form positive ions, e.g. Cu2+, Cr3+, V5+

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Richard

Author: Richard

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Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.